Finally falling in line with the new Indian IT rules, the global social media giant, Facebook has announced the appointment of former IAS officer Rajiv Aggarwal, as its new Director of Public Policy to lead important policy development initiatives. The new leadership role covers compliance towards user safety, data protection, privacy, inclusion, and internet governance.

In this new role, Aggarwal will report to Ajit Mohan, Vice President And Managing Director, Facebook india and will be a part of the India leadership team.

“We realize we are deeply immersed in the fabric of India and we have the opportunity to help build a more inclusive and safe internet that benefits everyone in the country. I'm thrilled that Rajiv is joining us to lead the Public Policy team. With his expertise and experience, Rajiv will help further our mission to build transparency, accountability, empowered and safe communities, all of which we recognize as our responsibility,” Mohan said in a statement.

Aggarwal comes with 26 years of experience as an IAS officer. During his tenure as an administrative officer, he steered India's first-ever national policy on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) as Joint Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (M/o Commerce) and was instrumental in the digital transformation of India's IP offices.

He has been closely associated with the India-US bilateral trade forum, besides being the country's lead negotiator on IPRs with other nations.

Aggarwal's last assignment was with Uber, where he was the Head of Public Policy for India and South Asia.

Aggarwal's appointment comes after a series of senior and leadership recruitments in recent months across marketing, partnerships, communications, and other key verticals demonstrating the company's expanding charter and commitment to India.